In such cases, the superintendent "shall notify the media by the same or faster means as used to notify board members, "and shall indicate the purpose of the meeting."

Executive sessions, which are closed to the public, can be called in accordance with the state’s Freedom of Access Act, or Right to Know law. The only topics that can be discussed in closed session are those stated in the motion to go into closed session, and no action can be taken.

According to the Maine Municipal Association’s Municipal Officers Manual, "Executive session can only be entered after a motion has been made in public session to go into executive session. The nature of the business to be discussed must be a part of that motion, although the wording of the motion should not reveal the sensitive information that the law intends to protect by the executive session process.

"The motion must carry by at least three fifths of the members present. A written record must be made of the motion and vote, even if the board does not usually keep minutes. No other matters except the specific subject cited in the motion may be discussed. An executive session is for the purpose of discussion only. In addition, no decision can be reached by the board, no motion can be made, and no final action can be decided or taken in executive session.

"In the case of a personnel matter where the discussion will involve possible discipline of a town employee, the motion should not mention the employee by name or provide details regarding the conduct which might justify disciplinary action. However, it should do more than call for an executive session to discuss a personnel matter. MMA Legal Services staff suggests that it is sufficient for the motion in such a case to say that the session is ‘for the purpose of discussing possible disciplinary action against a town employee.’ "

According to the RSU 12 school board meeting policy, the board can schedule workshops or other meetings to discuss a particular topic or proposal, but "no formal action shall be taken at any meeting other than a regular, special or emergency meeting."

Another policy adopted last week is the supervision and evaluation of professional staff. The superintendent is responsible for the "development, implementation and periodic review" of the program which must include minimum standards for the number and frequency of formal performance reviews.

Criteria used to evaluate professional staff must be written and available to teachers; evaluations are made by immediate supervisors; results of evaluations must be in writing and must be discussed with the teacher; and the teacher has the right to attach a memorandum to the written evaluation.

Although the evaluation and supervision procedures "are not negotiable in collective bargaining," the policy says the superintendent should "seek appropriate involvement of the staff."

Another policy spells out graduation requirements for students.

Copies of the requirements are to be given to incoming ninth grade students and their parents at the beginning of the school year and included in the Wiscasset High School handbook.

Students must complete 24 credits. Of these, 12 ½ are required by the state. These are English/language arts, 4 credits; math, 2 credits; social studies and history, 2 credits; science, 2 years; fine arts, 1 credit; health, ½ credit; physical education, 1 credit.

The state also requires that students "demonstrate computer skills according to the school unit’s standards for computer literacy proficiency and performance."

In addition to the state requirements, RSU 12 students must complete one additional credit in math, science, and social studies; one credit in technology education and one credit in a foreign language; ½ credit in fine arts; ½ credit in computer; and one credit in physical education.

Also RSU 12 high school students must perform six hours per year of citizenship/community service. Students who want to meet a credit requirement in an alternative way can do so with prior written approval.

The policy also makes provisions for transfer students, home schooled students, students receiving special education services, early awarding of diplomas, and extended study.

The student discipline policy stresses the importance of emphasizing "positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior, as well as appropriate consequences for misbehavior."

"Expectations for student behavior should be clear and communicated to school staff, students and parents; consequences for misbehavior should be in proportion to the offense, fair and consistently enforced; and parents should be actively involved in the process of preventing and resolving disciplinary problems at school."

Physical force and corporal punishment are not allowed. Principals develop rules for their buildings, "with input from school staff, students and parents and subject to approval by the superintendent." Principals also deal with suspensions "or other serious disciplinary actions in accordance with board policies, administrative procedures and Maine law."

The policy ends by saying the superintendent is responsible for developing procedures for conflict resolution to reduce disciplinary problems "and the potential for violence in the schools."

Other policies adopted last week relate to promotion, retention and acceleration of students; library-media materials; post-secondary enrollment; testing; student assessment; student surveys; and pesticides.

Polices adopted by the RSU are posted on the school unit’s website, svrsu.org.